THE EFFECT OF EXPRESSION IN HYPERREALISM
In this study I want to compare the three hyper realistic artworks by the Austrian Artist Gottfried Helnwein and the Australian Sculpture Artist Ron Mueck.
My aim is to point out the possibilities in expressing feelings and messages with the art-form hyperrealism.
Whilst Mueck came from the model-making and puppeteering industry and then decided to dive into fine arts, Helnwein choose the hyper realistic artform in order to express his message in the most efficient way.
Seeing other humans with familiar expressions has a very honest and relatable effect on the
viewer. The audience empathises with the person represented in the sculpture or painting on a very deep level.
Hyper realism is a very demanding technique weather in painting or sculpting but the hard work pays off as is captivates the viewer. Hyperrealism primarily describes the art style that developed since the late 1960s in the United States and Europe. It revolved out of the Pop Art movement and the growing consumerism of the society. A group of artists in America began to replicate photographs of everyday objects onto canvas and throughout time the style developed into a very versatile stylistic device.
My aim is to point out the possibilities in expressing feelings and messages with the art-form hyperrealism.
Whilst Mueck came from the model-making and puppeteering industry and then decided to dive into fine arts, Helnwein choose the hyper realistic artform in order to express his message in the most efficient way.
Seeing other humans with familiar expressions has a very honest and relatable effect on the
viewer. The audience empathises with the person represented in the sculpture or painting on a very deep level.
Hyper realism is a very demanding technique weather in painting or sculpting but the hard work pays off as is captivates the viewer. Hyperrealism primarily describes the art style that developed since the late 1960s in the United States and Europe. It revolved out of the Pop Art movement and the growing consumerism of the society. A group of artists in America began to replicate photographs of everyday objects onto canvas and throughout time the style developed into a very versatile stylistic device.
FORMAL ANALYSIS: MASK II
Ron Mueck’s sculpture “Mask II” is one of his best-known works. It is a self-portrait and shows his head laying on his left cheek.
Even though from the the front it looks like a whole three dimensional object that is closed off at the back, observing it from the back (figure 5) reveals the thinner structure of a mask. The sculpture transmits the natural feeling of gravity. Viewed from the frontside, the way the flash rests on the platform makes the sculpture seem heavier then it actually is and therefor makes the entire art-piece controversial. You can recognize a sense of flexibility and vividness in his expression, even making the audience expect movement as if the eyes could open or the man could wake up. A sheen of sweat and the familiar expression of relaxation makes the sculpture even more relatable.
On the other hand knowing that ordinary masks would stay in shape and wouldn’t be impacted by any external circumstances triggers a sense of discomfort.
The scale of Mueck’s works also play a big role in his art-making as he believes that creating human replicas at scale is not interesting enough. The work forces the viewer to observe the work for any possible abnormalities.
Even though from the the front it looks like a whole three dimensional object that is closed off at the back, observing it from the back (figure 5) reveals the thinner structure of a mask. The sculpture transmits the natural feeling of gravity. Viewed from the frontside, the way the flash rests on the platform makes the sculpture seem heavier then it actually is and therefor makes the entire art-piece controversial. You can recognize a sense of flexibility and vividness in his expression, even making the audience expect movement as if the eyes could open or the man could wake up. A sheen of sweat and the familiar expression of relaxation makes the sculpture even more relatable.
On the other hand knowing that ordinary masks would stay in shape and wouldn’t be impacted by any external circumstances triggers a sense of discomfort.
The scale of Mueck’s works also play a big role in his art-making as he believes that creating human replicas at scale is not interesting enough. The work forces the viewer to observe the work for any possible abnormalities.
Mueck’s works feel very familiar to the viewer and the everyday expressions in the sculptures faces seem very calming. As well his works radiate a sense of silence and peace as against other artworks that symbolically scream for attention. The muted communication between the artwork and the audience is what makes seeing the most natural thing to see: other people, so special and interesting.
